Keys is a fantasy book by Amber Kell and the audio version is narrated by Derrick McClain. The story follows Oz as he is reluctantly thrust into being the hero of a thousand year-old prophecy.
From what I’ve been able to tell, this book is an anomaly in Kell’s body of work. She seems to focus mainly on writing urban fantasy with ridiculously overbearing alpha males (like toxic masculinity to the max). Here we have the big, buff captain (or something) who is kind, gentle, and supportive. It’s honestly quite refreshing. The main character, Oz, is prickly and dangerous and not at all the sort of character who would allow himself to be controlled by someone.
The book is also a fantasy work with a surprising deep and detailed world. And the world-building is deftly done without any cumbersome info dumps. The political angle to the story doesn’t try to be overly complicated (and thus irritating). Overall, its an enjoyable work of fantasy that has some sex but isn’t overly focused on the romance. Some of the pacing can be a bit slow in the middle.
The second book is in progress as of 2016 and I do hope she finishes (and gets it out in audio).
Derrick McClain is a favourite of mine and he does a good job with the story.